For those gifted with height, athleticism, and the burning desire to become the next Michael Jordan, the National Basketball Association (NBA) is where dreams come true.
For those of us who want to be the next Michael Jordan, but have neither the height nor the athleticism to bridge the gulf between dream and reality, there is NBA Live 2005.
NBA Live 2005 is a video game, one where the fantasies of every Jordan wannabe come to life. It allows mere mortals to take control of their favorite NBA teams and players. Everything is realistic, from the skills ratings of the players to the color commentary provided by the same people who cover the real NBA games. Over the years, improvements in the game have made it so real that it's difficult to do the same thing over and over against your opponent-- whether it's the computer or another person. Thus, every game is a totally different experience-- making it extremely challenging, and, of course, addictive.
(How addictive? According to an article in the New York Times, some kids even prefer the video game to watching the real thing.)
One feature of NBA Live that allows virtual athletes to do everything they can't do on a real basketball court is the ability to create a player from scratch-- with all the attributes and skills necessary to go up against the NBA's superstars.
The image here is a perfect example. Here, a version of me has just blown by Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets for a reverse slam. Though my virtual counterpart is taller than McGrady (six-ten versus McGrady's six-eight), he can run faster and jump higher. Cyber Jed is also a better dribbler, shooter, passer, and defender.
In a world where the harsh realities of genetics make it impossible to fulfill one's basketball fantasies, video games are a healthier and more productive alternative to daydreaming. I may not have been born like Mike, but I'm glad that the wonders of technology make it possible for me to watch myself play like him.
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